Snorlax LV.30 Pokémon Card (Wizards of the Coast Black Star Promo #20)

Name: Snorlax LV.30 Pokémon Card (Wizards of the Coast Black Star Promo #20)
Brand: Momofthecircus
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Holographic Snorlax LV.30 Pokémon card, Wizards of the Coast Black Star Promo #20, featuring Snorlax sleeping on a golden background.

Estimated value

$10 - $60

Rarity

Average(4/10)

COLLECTOR'S BREAKDOWN: SNORLAX LV.30 POKÉMON CARD (WIZARDS OF THE COAST BLACK STAR PROMO #20)

This is a holographic English Pokémon card featuring Snorlax at Level 30 with 130 HP. The artwork depicts Snorlax in its iconic sleeping pose, rendered with a sparkling holographic finish over the illustration box. The card is identifiable as a Black Star Promo card, specifically number 20, released by Wizards of the Coast. It's a Basic Pokémon with the Ability 'Immunity' and the attack 'Body Slam'.

CULTURAL CARD LORE

Where This Object Echoes

Japanese Mythology / FolkloreModern / Ancient

Snorlax, known as Kabigon in Japanese, embodies a common archetype of a large, nature-bound entity whose slumber or presence can significantly impact its surroundings, akin to benevolent or neutral nature spirits in some folklore.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

•The collection and careful preservation of specific cards, often in sleeves or binders, is a contemporary ritual among TCG enthusiasts, mirroring how some communities protect culturally significant artifacts.

Meaning Through Time

Late 1990s - Early 2000s

Snorlax symbolized an immovable obstacle in the video games and a resilient, high-HP tank in the early TCG, representing durability and defensive power.

Present Day

Beyond its playability, this Snorlax card has become a nostalgic artifact for many collectors, representing the initial boom of the Pokémon franchise and the specific 'Wizards of the Coast' era of the TCG.

CARD HISTORY & PRINT RUNS

The Pokémon TCG experienced a massive surge in popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, driven by its unique gameplay and collectible monsters. Promo cards like this Snorlax were often distributed through special events, magazine inserts, or retail promotions, serving as both collectible items and playable cards. The Wizards of the Coast (WotC) era, which produced this card, is highly regarded by many collectors for its classic artwork and foundational set designs. This particular Snorlax promo was known for its decent HP and useful Ability in its time.

COLLECTOR INTEL

Snorlax is famous in the Pokémon games for often blocking pathways, requiring players to wake it up using a special Flute.

The 'Immunity' Ability on this card was a powerful defensive trait in the early TCG meta, preventing common status effects like sleep or paralysis.

HOW SCARCE IS IT?

Average55-70%

CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Typical Characteristics

Standard antique shop items
Regularly available
Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

This is a common and well-known promo card, rarely faked due to its relatively low value.
The card text, font, and holographic pattern align with authentic Wizards of the Coast printings.

How does authenticity detection work?

GRADING EXPERT'S TAKE

Trading Card Market Analyst

Card Specialist

I have high confidence in identifying this as a Snorlax Black Star Promo #20 due to clear text, visible set symbol, and design consistent with early Wizards of the Coast Pokémon cards. However, the exact condition remains an estimate due to image resolution.

KEY EVIDENCE

1The card clearly displays 'Snorlax LV.30 130 HP' at the top.
2The holographic pattern visible in the artwork box is characteristic of early Pokémon holo cards.
3The set symbol for Black Star Promos (a black star) is faintly visible in the bottom right corner of the illustration box and the card number '20' is visible as '20/179' below the copyright.
4The copyright line '©1995-2000 Nintendo, Creatures, GAMEFREAK. ©2000 Wizards' confirms it as a Wizards of the Coast English release.

UNCERTAINTIES

•Image clarity is moderate, making it difficult to assess minor surface scratches, edge wear, and corner condition in detail.
•The reverse side of the card is not visible, which is crucial for a complete condition assessment and authenticity check (e.g., specific printing patterns or legitimate blue backing).

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→Provide clear, high-resolution images of the card's front, back, and close-ups of all four corners and edges.
→Inspect the holographic surface under angled light to check for minor scratches or indentations.
→Measure the centering of the card's print from front and back (especially the borders) relative to the cut.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

Visually, the card appears to be in relatively good condition from the front. Edges and corners seem mostly intact, but detailed inspection would require clearer, higher-resolution images of the front and back. The holographic surface appears to have minimal scratching, which is a common point of wear for old holographic cards.

Surface

The card features a glossy, reflective holographic surface over the Snorlax illustration, indicating a 'foil' or 'holo' variant. The remainder of the card surface is a standard matte cardstock.